Why can't you swim off the coast of Florida?

Why can't you swim off the coast of Florida? Many people swim in the ocean, off of the coast of Florida. But you should beware of undertow and rip currents if you are a swimmer with poor stamina. Water in Florida is often polluted and gives rise to bacterial species that can harm the nervous system such as pfiesteria, and other organisms that generate red tides.

Are Florida lakes safe to swim in?

Swimming in a Florida lake is generally safe, but there definitely have been people attacked and killed by alligators in Florida. Alligators are very fond of eating small animals like dogs and cats. Small children should not swim alone or be left unattended on the shore of a large Florida lake.

Why is Florida covered in lakes?

Florida has more naturally formed lakes than other southeastern States, where many lakes are created by building dams across streams. The abundance of lakes on the Florida peninsula is a result of the geology and geologic history of the State. An estimated 7,800 lakes in Florida are greater than 1 acre in surface area.

What are the blobs on the beach in Florida?

Sargassum is a species of large brown seaweed, a type of macroalgae that floats in large masses. On some beaches in Florida, the blobs of crunchy, dry, brown stinky seaweed are fairly large. In one of our photo galleries below, you'll see a small mountain of sargassum seaweed, and a black dog posing next to it.

Should I be careful swimming in Florida?

Be Aware of Rip Currents. Rip Currents are very common on the East Coast of Central Florida. Those that are unaware of the rip current environment can get into trouble quickly, and often without warning. Waves and currents can knock you off your feet even in knee-deep water.

What bacteria is in the beach water in Florida?

Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacteria in warm, brackish seawater. Water and wounds do not mix. Do not enter the water if you have fresh cuts or scrapes.

What is the safest beach to swim in Florida?

Why is Florida ocean water clear?

Our shores have shallow waters often resulting in sandbars, so the sun can reflect off the white sea floors and the surrounding microscopic plankton, which creates the gradient effect of clear-to-emerald-to azure-to-navy waters as you progress further out into the Gulf.

Is it legal to sleep on the beach in Florida?

Are there Florida laws against this, or is it legal on any public beach? It's against the law to sleep on the ground or in a vehicle anywhere in the state of Florida unless you are registered in a campsite.